Kenya is lighting up the rural frontier as it takes its clean energy revolution to the grassroots. The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) has launched an expansion of its regional training centers, designed to equip rural communities with the skills needed to harness solar technology.
This move comes as the government intensifies its push for universal electricity access by the end of 2026.
In counties like Kitui, biomass remains the primary source of energy for many households, with over-reliance on wood fuel and charcoal long contributing to deforestation and indoor air pollution.
The Kitui Energy Centre is now at the forefront of this shift, serving as a demonstration site for solar-powered solutions and training local technicians and farmers to replace traditional fuels with sustainable alternatives.
The expansion is part of a broader KSh 2.2 billion electrification drive for the region. Beyond lighting homes, the initiative focuses on “productive use” energy—turning the sun into a tool for solar-powered irrigation and cold storage, which is expected to spur social and economic transformation in previously underserved areas.
REREC’s strategy aligns with Kenya’s National E-Mobility Policy and its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2030.
The success of the program hinges on community engagement and local capacity building. REREC operates nine regional offices and is currently adding more to its network, providing hands-on experience with renewable technologies and ensuring the transition is led from the ground up.
As Kenya marks the International Day of Clean Energy, the focus remains on turning high-level policy into tangible, life-changing action for rural families.
